14413, Alton, New York Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 14413, Alton, New York is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

0.00 percent of residents in 14413 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.25 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Newark-Wayne Community Hospital with a distance of 12.16 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 14413 (Alton, NY)

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access healthcare. In Alton, New York (ZIP Code 14413), this access hinges significantly on transportation. This write-up provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, analyzing the available transportation options and their impact on residents' ability to reach medical facilities, considering factors like drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport. It's a critical consideration for anyone **moving to Alton**, as it directly affects their well-being.

**Drive Times and Road Infrastructure:**

The primary mode of transportation in Alton is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. The town's relative isolation necessitates this reliance, making the condition of the roads and the proximity of healthcare facilities paramount. The closest hospitals and major medical centers are in surrounding towns and cities, creating variable drive times.

A significant portion of travel will involve navigating the rural roads that weave through the Finger Lakes region. Route 14, a major north-south thoroughfare, provides the most direct access to larger towns like Geneva and Penn Yan. However, this route can experience seasonal delays due to weather conditions, especially during winter.

Traveling to Geneva General Hospital, a primary care provider, typically takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic and weather. This journey primarily involves Route 14. For specialized care, such as at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, the drive is considerably longer, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, primarily via Route 14 and then Interstate 90 (I-90). This extended travel time can be a significant barrier to accessing timely medical attention, especially in emergencies.

The condition of the roads, including potholes and lack of adequate lighting in certain areas, can further exacerbate travel times and potentially pose safety risks, particularly at night or during inclement weather. This is a critical factor affecting the **healthcare access** of Alton residents.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transportation options in Alton are limited, which significantly impacts the "Overall Health Score." The area is not well-served by a comprehensive public transit system. This lack of options presents a major challenge for individuals without personal vehicles, including the elderly, those with disabilities, and low-income residents.

The primary public transit option is the Ontario County Public Transportation (OCPT), which offers a limited bus service. However, OCPT routes and schedules are infrequent, and the service area is not extensive. The routes that serve Alton, if any, may have limited hours of operation, making it difficult to reach medical appointments outside of standard business hours.

The accessibility of OCPT for individuals with disabilities (ADA compliance) needs to be carefully considered. While OCPT is required to comply with ADA regulations, the availability of accessible buses and the ease of navigating the system can vary. Further research into specific route numbers and ADA features is crucial for residents with mobility impairments.

The lack of robust public transportation significantly diminishes the "Overall Health Score" for Alton residents, particularly those who are transportation-disadvantaged. The ability to access healthcare is directly impacted by the availability and efficiency of public transit.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport Services:**

The emergence of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft has offered an alternative to public transit and personal vehicles. However, their availability in Alton is limited. Ride-sharing services often struggle to maintain a consistent presence in rural areas due to lower demand and driver availability.

The reliance on ride-sharing services for healthcare access is therefore uncertain. The cost of these services, especially for longer distances to hospitals in Rochester or Geneva, can be prohibitive for many residents. This further underscores the need for alternative **transportation** solutions.

Medical transport services are available for those who require specialized assistance. These services, such as ambulance or non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), are crucial for individuals with mobility limitations or those who require stretcher transport.

The availability and responsiveness of these services are vital. The time it takes for an ambulance to arrive in an emergency can be a life-or-death matter. The cost of NEMT services can also be a barrier to accessing necessary medical appointments. Researching the specific medical transport providers serving Alton, including their service areas, response times, and insurance coverage, is essential.

**Overall Health Score and Recommendations:**

The "Overall Health Score" for commuting to healthcare in Alton (14413) is negatively impacted by the limited **transportation** options. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the long drive times to major medical facilities, poses a significant challenge. The lack of robust public transit, the uncertain availability of ride-sharing services, and the potential cost barriers associated with medical transport all contribute to a lower score.

To improve the "Overall Health Score," several recommendations are necessary. First, the community should advocate for expanded public transit options, including increased frequency of service, extended operating hours, and improved accessibility for individuals with disabilities. This could involve partnering with OCPT to expand routes or exploring alternative public transit models.

Second, efforts should be made to attract and retain ride-sharing services in the area. This could involve community outreach and incentives for drivers.

Third, the community should ensure that medical transport services are readily available and affordable. This includes advocating for fair pricing and exploring options for financial assistance for those who cannot afford these services.

Finally, the community should work to improve road infrastructure, including road maintenance, lighting, and signage, to enhance safety and reduce travel times.

For those **moving to Alton**, a thorough assessment of their individual healthcare needs and transportation capabilities is essential. Residents should carefully consider the potential challenges associated with accessing medical care and plan accordingly. The "Overall Health Score" can be improved through proactive community initiatives and individual preparedness.